Paddling GlovesTom Watson reviews some general optionsfor protecting hands while out paddling:Simple neoprene, poggies, scuba gloves, etcQuick Tips for Canoe Camping TripsKevin Callan passes along some simple tricks he as learned over the years aboutcamping and paddling.. with videos too!

One time I ran up a river to find a park-like take out spot and what's across the street - a Deli. Luckily I always carry $5 singles in my boat and got a sandwich and coffee. Those were the days, it would be $10 now.

Hmmmmmm. Posted by: deuce on Feb-27-14 9:21 AM (EST)

Nonessential is such a subjective concept. When I'm traveling "light" I get teased for all my gear. The teasing generally stops when my compadres take that first bite of cobbler or biscuits from my "nonessential" Dutch Oven. However, if someone held a gun to my head and told me I could take sleeping bag, pad, clothes and tent and one "nonessential" item said item would be my REI Flex chair. It's a Helinox knook off. If I could bring one more "nonessential" it would definitely be a Dutch Oven (aluminum). Or course with a little planning a twelve inch anodized DO oculd handle all the cooking chores, so as I said, nonessential is a subjective concept.

3 Posted by: kwalk on Feb-27-14 10:41 AM (EST)

A folding table-rollup
Two burner coleman stove
Outback oven

Three -non essentials Posted by: jackl on Feb-27-14 10:52 AM (EST)

A book
A small pillow
My coffee (although my one cup every morning is close to an essential)

Jack L

nonessentials Posted by: pblanc on Feb-27-14 11:08 AM (EST)

Most of my choices have already been mentioned.

These days I would be reluctant to undertake a multi-day trip without a decent chair. The Helinox is the best I have seen thus far.

I too also take a small pillow. I have tried using rolled up parkas or stuff sacks full of spare clothing and not found them comfortable.

Although many coffee drinkers are perfectly content getting by with freeze-dried coffee (which has gotten much better, I will admit) I will still usually bring along my ancient, small, aluminum Mirro percolator, or at least a small coffee press.

I used to always take a book along to the northwoods in the event of a rain day or becoming wind-bound. I also used to always take a second stove as a backup, especially if there was a fire ban in place.

Not yet mentioned is a tarp. I know many people would consider a tarp a necessity but it can potentially be done away with if everyone is equipped with tents. But spending the better part of a rainy day cooped up in a small tent is too depressing for me to contemplate anymore.

Just 3? Posted by: briansnat on Feb-27-14 12:06 PM (EST)

-- Last Updated: Feb-27-14 12:09 PM EST --

When I paddle camp the canoe is packed with non essentials.

Some that come to mind:

- Beer (Dales Pale Ale is my official canoe camping beer)
- Some Irish whiskey (Powers, Jameson or Bushmills)
- Roll-a-table
- chairs
- If rain is in the forecast, a 12x12 canopy with poles
- iPod and mini speakers. Sometimes I enjoy the sounds of the wilderness and sometimes I enjoy a little music
- fishing gear
- binoculars
- A cooler packed with steaks, salad greens, burgers, sausage, chicken, etc.
- Portable gas grill
- a book or two
- digital camera and video camera
- Battery powered lanterns
- Tent (we hammock camp, but bring a tent if extended rain is forecasted. Kind hard to hang out in a hammock in camp all day).

It depends Posted by: yknpdlr on Feb-27-14 4:26 PM (EST)

-- Last Updated: Feb-27-14 4:31 PM EST --

Is the multi-day trip in the depths of the wilderness, or are you remaining within reasonable distance from civilization and passage of other paddlers and such? I might have a different list depending on the situation.

For those isolated true wilderness extended trip travels, I too would include a chair, a wood burning stove (such as a kelly kettle), and certainly also a considerably expanded first aid kit (and the knowledge how to use it), and consider bringing a PLB and/or a SPOT, and satellite phone.

I would think Posted by: mmulvey on Feb-27-14 8:07 PM (EST)

A first aid kit falls under "essentials" and would therefore be disqualified from these lists...I am surprised to see that few have mentioned my #1 and no one has mentioned #2

I do bring a comfortable full-sized chair with real arms. However, I consider that almost essential.

There are smaller, lower and lighter weight chairs and sitting devices, but all I've seen and tried are sissy, flimsy, gimmicky, klutzy, nerdy, torture-y, unbalanced-y, contortionist-y, pain-in-the-assy, or flat out GAS-y.

I do prefer a lightweight three person tent for myself over those flat-out-lie "two person" hoaxes and the dwarfs-only, claustrophobia-inducing "one person" sacks. But, again, I consider living space to be almost essential.

a few things i have brought Posted by: paddletothesea on Feb-28-14 4:40 PM (EST)

Well to twist the conversation a bit.
Heres a few item I have brought

Pinata`
X-mas lights and bulbs
15-gal keg of beer
chainsaw
Golf Clubs

What??! Posted by: pblanc on Feb-28-14 6:56 PM (EST)

No Tiki Torches?

There are only about 10 essentials Posted by: Waterbird on Mar-01-14 9:58 PM (EST)

in a typical survival kit, so anything beyond that is not essential.

I've been working on my packing list for several years and recheck it after every trip. On most trips I use every item I bring except for emergency items. So I considered everything I bring to be important because it all gets used.

E-Reader Posted by: Rikjohnson on Mar-03-14 12:18 PM (EST)

and solar charger.
Platypus of wine.

The three add to a relaxing time between dinner and sleep.
or a pleasant afternoon if I just feel like being lazy.

stuff to bring Posted by: ppine on Mar-03-14 6:23 PM (EST)

I want to camp with seatosummit.

Non essentials? Posted by: coreyr on Mar-04-14 10:03 PM (EST)

Pipes, tobacco, and The Glenlivet.
Oh wait, you were looking for NON ESSENTIALS?
I dunno, TP, food, water?